Mediation

The Process

The mediation process begins with an initial meeting, known as a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). This is an opportunity for you to talk in confidence with the mediator about the process, and for you to decide whether it’s going to be a good fit for your circumstances.

You can choose to attend a MIAM on your own (known as a single MIAM), or you can choose to attend together with your ex-partner (known as a joint MIAM). A single MIAM lasts for about an hour, spending all the time with the mediator; a joint MIAM lasts for about 2 hours, during which time you will spend about 20 – 30 minutes alone with the mediator, and the rest of the time you will be together with your ex-partner as well as the mediator.

Once each of you has attended a MIAM, you can decide whether you would like to progress into mediation “proper”. Mediation is entirely voluntary, and if you decide not to proceed, the mediator will be able to sign your court application form confirming that you have attended a MIAM (which is a requirement before any application can be accepted by the court). There are some exemptions to this requirement; they can be found at section 13 of form C100 and at section 3 of Form A. If you are in doubt about whether you need to attend a MIAM, please consult a solicitor for advice.

If you decide to go ahead with mediation, then we will arrange a first joint mediation session with you.

Mediation can deal with child arrangements (usually 1-2 sessions), property and finance issues (3 -4 sessions), or “all issues” (4-5 sessions of mediation). Most mediation sessions last for about an hour and a half, and gaps between the sessions are tailored to your needs.

At the end of the process the mediator will write up an outcome statement of the decisions you have reached/proposals you have made, and talk to you about how to make these legally binding if that is your wish.

Mediation Charges

Cost of a Single Initial MIAM                            £150 + VAT

Cost of a Joint Initial MIAM                               £275 + VAT

Cost of Mediation                                      £275 + VAT per hour

Cost of Drafting Final Documents (1-3 hours)          £275 + VAT per hour

Publicly funded mediation is available free of charge for those on low incomes or in receipt of benefits

We provide mediation services to the Surrey area and beyond. We cover, Weybridge, Addlestone, Walton-on-Thames, Esher, Hersham, Surbiton and Kingston. We have a mediation suite that is available to clients.